Zora Cast

Kecia Deroly (Zora) is a singer, director, vocal coach and actress with a career spanning over 20 years. She studied Musical Theater and Vocal Performance at SUNY New Paltz. She’s performed professionally all over the world, starring in her first Off-Broadway production at the age of eight in The Yoke at Don’t Tell Mama - New York, NY. A theater veteran, her select major roles include: Head Over Heels and Intimate Apparel at Maryland Ensemble Theater, Fiddler on the Roof at Twin City Players, A Chorus Line at Dutchess Community College, Rocky Horror Picture Show at Cunneen Hackett Theater, Man of La Mancha at Rhinebeck Playhouse, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Showboat at Powerhouse Theater of Vassar College, AIDA at the Metropolitan Opera House, and she also performed in the cast of the National tour of the musical, Dreamgirls. She has performed in State Fair and The Sound of Music for several cruise ships, and as lead singer for cruise ships, bands and concerts. Kecia is honored and thrilled for the opportunity to tell the dynamic story of Zora Neale Hurston, a trailblazer, historian, anthropologist, and all around proud Black Woman. Thank you to my family for their unwavering support and love.

Harry Denby, III (Men) is honored about the opportunity to promote the legacy of iconic Black artists with this production of Zora! This past summer, Harry was in the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s production of The Merry Wives of Windsor for their annual summer season that plays on an outdoor stage in Ellicott City, MD. While that was fun, he is looking forward to performing in an air-conditioned building this time. His additional credits include Songbird and La Boheme, both of which played at the Kennedy Center, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. When not performing, Harry loves taking long, quiet walks outside, vibing to relaxing lofi beats, and watching football. Harry is grateful for all of the encouragement and support he has, and is, receiving. He especially thanks his mother for her unconditional love, understanding, and guidance.